Design Dispatch | My favorite thing making a comeback: marble

Have you noticed? Marble has been steadily reclaiming its place in homes everywhere from countertops to floors to accessories. It had a bad wrap for a while, many worried about its softness compared to granite or the maintenance it requires. But marble has always carried an unmatched sense of elegance and permanence.

Think about the Parthenon, Florence’s Duomo, or St. Peter’s Basilica: centuries-old marvels where marble has been integral-even in exterior applications. We romanticize these buildings and their timeless patina, yet here we often hesitate, striving for surfaces to remain flawless. And of course, there are always new and better ways to maintain our surfaces. There are Anti Etch products on the market that have been getting overall positive reviews from the people who have used it. It is not an inexpensive product to install (must use certifide installers; labor and skill intensive) but protects against acid spills that stain and etch.

The gorgeous Michaelangelo marble splash above is from a sweet client from a couple of years ago. The marble was used throughout the kitchen and the warm and cool veining throughout it is stunning. It is one of my favorite’s.

To me, the beauty lies in marble’s lived-in quality. Every mark tells a story, adding to its character rather than diminishing it. Each time I return to Europe, I’m reminded of this, surrounded by marble floors, stairs, façades, and other details that have weathered gracefully through generations.

In the Mix | Iron & Glass: Timeless in Any Style

On my trip last month through Spain and Portugal, I found myself constantly pausing to capture the interplay of iron and glass. It’s one of those design pairings that feels both strong and delicate, structured yet luminous—and it transcends style.

Glass itself is endlessly versatile: clear, wavy, colored, or transformed into intricate stained-glass patterns. Iron (or steel) is often seen in black, but when finished in copper or other unexpected tones, it becomes even more striking—precisely because it’s less common.

What I love most is how these two materials work together to elevate even the simplest forms:

• Lighting fixtures that throw patterned shadows across a room
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• Doors and transoms that frame views while letting light filter through
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• Ceiling treatments where structure meets artistry

Iron lends elegance and permanence, while glass reflects and transmits light, giving each piece movement and life. It’s a reminder that when opposites—strength and fragility, solidity and transparency—meet in harmony, the result is design that feels truly timeless.

Bringing the Look Home

• Install steel + glass interior doors in key areas to create definition without sacrificing light flow.
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• Consider a wine room enclosure framed in blackened steel for drama and functionality.
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• Use iron + glass lighting fixtures to add architectural interest overhead.
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• Incorporate transoms (a favorite) or partitions to introduce light play in unexpected places.

If you love iron and glass as much as me, hop over to the blog and check out some of our installations for inspo as well.

Off the Clock

Chris and I officially feel like we’ve watched everything worth watching—unless rewatching Seinfeld, Brooklyn 99, Psych, and Arrested Development for the fourth time counts (spoiler: it does).​​

That said, we did manage to catch the Netflix series Sirens with Julianne Moore—which is actually current (so proud of ourselves!)—and just started Nine Perfect Strangers. The verdict is still out, but can we talk about Nicole Kidman? Is it just me, or is she everywhere lately?

Funny story: I was in a boutique in Nashville last year when I spotted this lithe, ethereal woman at the checkout. After a few double takes I realized—it was her. I looked around and saw it was just the cashier, Nicole Kidman, and me. I tried to casually duck behind a clothing rack to sneak a better look (subtle, right?). I debated asking for a photo but chickened out.

So tell me—what would you have done? Gone for it, or let the moment slip quietly into a good story?

Also, if you’ve got any underrated gems or binge-worthy recs—send help. We clearly need it.

🤍 Lisa

PS: Last time, I shared a bit about my visit with Anthony & Derrick from AM Cabinet Designs and how eye-opening it was to dive deeper into their craft. It was so beneficial that I’ve decided to launch a quarterly interview series on the blog, where I’ll spotlight different voices in the industry—trades, artisans, and makers whose work shapes the way we live.

I’m putting together my lineup for next year now, and I’d love your input: are there any trades or craftsmen you’d be curious to learn more about? Reply and let me know—I’d love to add them to my list.

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